Yes, the HK417 is finally here and we are happy to report it was worth the wait. As the first ever HK417 model to hit the airsoft market, VFC has set a standard to which all other models will be measured.

The real steel HK417, manufactured by Heckler & Koch, is the big brother to the HK416 and is chambered for the larger 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge. The demand for large caliber rifles dramatically increased shortly after the start of US operations in Afghanistan and Iraq where the increased range and penetration of the more powerful round was found to be extremely effective. The HK417 is essentially a beefed up version of its smaller brother and uses the same gas operated, short stroke piston which made the HK416 so successful.

This replica is manufactured by renowned airsoft manufacturer Vega Force Company of Taiwan and is produced under licensed from Umarex USA with official H&K trademarks. By just looking at this rifle you can tell that a lot of thought went into making it as every aspect of the rifle is recreated in extreme detail. Of course, as with every VFC model, the metal content is identical to that of the real firearm and weighs within a pound of the real steel. It features an aluminum receiver with a Mil-Spec anodized matte black coating which looks superb with the H&K markings. We were also very pleased to see that Umarex has also done a very good job of keeping the annoying warnings as subdued as possible on this beauty.

6 attachment points support practically any left or right handed sling system available.

Adjustable rotary rear sight with 4 different apertures.

Detachable front and rear iron sights.

Sequential serial numbers.

6 point adjustable crane stock with oversized buffer tube.

The HK417 uses the same style crane stock as the newest variant of the VFC HK416. This stock can house a nun-chuck type battery and features the twist lock butt pad. To install that battery you simply have to rotate the rubber butt pad 1/4 turn counterclockwise and it pulls right off. Of all the crane stocks currently on the market, we still stand by our claim that this is one of the best designed models out there. It is very robust in construction and the twist lock butt pad is an extremely strong design as well as being very easy to operate.

Internally the rifle has a brand new gearbox which appears to be a hybrid of version 2, 3 and 6 gearboxes. It is equipped with steel gears running on solid steel 8mm bushings. You will also find a steel spring guide with bearings and a ported aluminum piston head.

Now, to the main question. It is modeled after a long range marksmen rifle, but does this airsoft recreation measure up? That would be a big affirmative. The HK417 smoked a .2g BB through the chrono at an average of 440 fps leaving little doubt that it had the muscle to earn the title of a DMR. It is also equipped with the new VFC hop-up chamber which has the adjustment wheel mounted perpendicular to the barrel instead of parallel. This configuration allows you to make very small fine tuning adjustments and is far less likely to shift out of position from vibration. Thanks to this combination of power and precision the HK417 is outstanding at long range engagements. With heavyweight rounds it is effective out out 210 feet away and with practice we were pushing it even further.

The HK417 does use a proprietary magazine however spare magazines are currently available. These included a 100 round mid capacity magazine (which comes with the rifle), as well as a 500 round high capacity magazine (available separately) both of which are produced by VFC.

This Umarex product comes with a 1 year warranty provided by Umarex USA. Warranty repair or replacement on this item must go through the Umarex Service Center and does not fall under the Shorty USA warranty.

I went with a member of my team to the walk in store a few months back to find him a good gun that suited his role. When we entered he had the intention of buying an m14 but that quickly changed after seeing this bad boy. The gun is full metal and feels durable enough to run over with a car.(I do NOT recommend running over your guns.) The rails on it are full metal as well as the body. This gives the gun a good balance. The grip is perfect for steady shooting as well as quick movement. After shooting this gun in a war i found the range to be incredible for a gun being marketed as an AEG considering most high end guns are 180ft effective range. The FPS also fits the long range capabilities. My only problem with it would probably be the mag availability, its a unique gun and the mags are hard to come by which automatically means: High prices. This gun is pricey and i mean it. To get the necessities for the gun it comes close to $600 this includes battery, charger, high cap, red dot, and bbs. I think this is one of those guns that will last for a few years though. If you are in for the long haul this may be a recommended choice for you.